City of Sorrow, City of Strength

A brutal war. A city under siege. A tragedy the world must never forget. In December 1937, Japanese troops entered the Chinese capital and unleashed one of the darkest episodes of the twentieth century. Over six harrowing weeks, civilians and prisoners of war endured unspeakable violence, while the city itself became a place of devastation and fear. Yet even in the midst of destruction, there were also acts of bravery, moments of resilience, and voices that refused to be silenced. This book brings that history to life for today's teens. It tells the story not just of battles and politics, but of people-students, families, workers, missionaries, and survivors whose lives were forever changed. Through vivid storytelling, it reveals what daily life was like in Nanjing before the invasion, how terror swept through the city after surrender, and how ordinary men and women found ways to protect one another. It also explores how the massacre was remembered in the years that followed, how survivors fought to have their voices heard, and why the lessons of those events matter around the world today. Written with honesty and respect, this book invites young readers to grapple with questions of empathy, justice, and responsibility. It is not only about understanding a tragic past, but about carrying forward the voices of those who lived through it.